23 Sept 2006
Rhodia Continues its Development in Asia with the Construction of a New Polyamide Intermediates Unit
Paris, France - September 22, 2006 – Rhodia has announced the construction of Hexamethylene Diamine (HMDA) unit in China, as part of its upstream integration in the polyamide chain. With an annual capacity of 60kt/p.a, the new unit, to serve the fast growing HMDA merchant market in Asia, will be operational in early 2009.
“This decision is fully in line with the strategy of Rhodia Polyamide to focus on our intermediates and engineering plastics businesses in which we hold leadership positions. Our investment will allow Rhodia Polyamide to provide a better service to its customers in Asia and seize new development opportunities in a market enjoying strong growth,” explained Laurent Schmitt, President of Rhodia Polyamide. "As part of the same industrial logic”, he added, “Rhodia is studying the feasibility of building an adiponitrile (ADN) plant in Asia."
This new unit will strengthen Rhodia Polyamide’s already well-established industrial base, developed over the last 15 years in Asia. This base, comprising an adipic acid plant, two engineering plastics compounding plants and a polymerization facility under construction, is situated in China and South Korea.
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Notes for editors
Rhodia Polyamide is an upstream integrated company providing intermediates for polyamide and other applications, polyamide polymers, as well as a complete downstream range of added value products including engineering plastics polyamide 6.6 and 6 based, industrial polyamide yarns, technical and consumer polyamide fibers and textile yarns. With fourteen state-of-the art production facilities along with R&D and technical centers, Rhodia Polyamide serves customers on every continent, with the capability to develop products and technologies locally.
Rhodia is a global specialty chemicals company recognized for its strong technology positions in Performance Materials, Functional Chemicals and the Organics and Services clusters. Partnering with major players in the automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, consumer care, tires, and paints and coatings markets, Rhodia offers tailor-made solutions combining original molecules and technologies to respond to customers’ needs. Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders. Rhodia generated sales of €5 billion in 2005 and employs around 19,500 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.